Eating Oysters & the Health Benefits

Oysters are food with a real cult following, but their popularity is growing in this ever health-conscious age. For those who have discovered the delicious delights of the marvellous molluscs, oysters are an absolute must in any healthy diet. They are also incredibly tasty and can be used in a variety of creative recipes. A common misconception is oysters are also very expensive and only available to the super wealthy, but this is simply not the case. Oysters can be bought from many places at surprisingly low prices and should be considered by anyone looking to add more healthy seafood to their diet. To order click here buy oysters

What are the Benefits?

The first and most obvious benefit to eating oysters is its high in omega-3 fatty acids. This is one of the healthiest substances you can give to your body. Omega-3 along with B vitamins, zinc and iron provide enormous benefits to the function of our brains. It can be used to help treat depression and other mental health problems or just be part of a healthy lifestyle while keeping stress at bay. Iron and zinc also play a role in maintaining an effective memory and keeping us alert, meaning we will need to rely less on stimulants like caffeine and taurine during our working day. The biggest benefit to our brain, however, is the fact that iron and zinc have been scientifically proven to have a positive effect on our memory. As we are all living longer lives, our memory is more important than ever, eating food that keeps this healthy is essential to our happiness and quality of life as well as that of those around us.

Improving your Mood

Improved brain function isn’t the only benefit from eating food with high amounts of zinc and iron, as we said above our mental state is can be affected by a deficiency of these substances. Food like oysters are known for their mood-boosting properties; a healthy mind means a healthy mood. Several clinical nutrition trials have demonstrated clear evidence that high amounts of zinc and iron are influential in reducing anxiety and anger. As mental health is just as important as physical health, it may be time to add a little more seafood to your diet.

Boost Energy

As you would imagine a boost in mood will also likely result in a boost in energy, this is further enhanced by the B vitamins oysters are rich in as well as the high content of iron and zinc. In recent years there have been some frightening studies showing that many of us in the west do not eat enough foods containing B vitamins like B12 among others. Substances like this help the body carry oxygen around the blood, essential maintaining healthy circulation and contributing to an increase in overall energy and the reduction of lethargy. Looking for some motivation to get off the couch and go for a run? Then get some oysters next time instead of that donner kebab!

Help with Fertility

Speaking of ‘get up and go’ oysters are very well known for one particular health benefit. For some, this alone is enough of a reason for many people to go shopping for oysters in an effort to improve a certain area of their life. Oysters are very well known for their properties as a reliable aphrodisiac. This is also backed up by science and not just a myth oyster fans tell themselves. Zinc in oysters is the gift that keeps on giving as in adult males it produces high amounts of testosterone which is the hormone that manages and regulates our libido and ability to adequately function. General potency isn’t the only thing that benefits in this regard, the research that was done in this area seems to support the theory that a man’s sperm count and efficiency is also improved by eating oysters. For women oysters also help estrogen production, progesterone and overall health of the ovaries. It’s also worth pointing out the sheer amount of anecdotal evidence for oysters as an aphrodisiac is overwhelming. Even the ancient Greeks boasted of these benefits! We include this as sexual health is an important part of our lives and contributes to various other areas such as our mental health and fitness.

Good for Circulation

As already mentioned oysters can help regulate and maintain our circulation, this means the flow of our blood stays oxygenated which is essential for a healthy cardiovascular system. This, in turn, keeps our immune system healthy and keeps illness at bay. As vitamin C content is high in oysters, this is an added benefit when looking for ways to stay well and fight potential illness. A healthy cardiovascular system doesn’t just keep the sniffles away; it also helps protect against heart attacks, strokes and problems related to blood pressure. All three of these things are the biggest killers on the planet. Where considered dying of natural causes or old age by some, there is no reason to increase these risks when we can reduce them.

Helps Protect your Heart

Cardiovascular health is intrinsically linked to the health of our heart. The nutrients contained in oysters, as mentioned above, strengthen the heart and protects against heart attacks. The science behind this is it helps support the cellular membranes and lowers the blood pressure, contributing to all-round heart health. But this isn’t all; oysters are also good for our skin, eyes and even our bones! That magic substance known as zinc is essential to eye health, and this isn’t just in oysters but all kinds of fish. As oysters are molluscs, they are a well-known source of calcium, so that’s good news for our bones and teeth right there. The protein also helps promote muscle and hair growth meaning there are even more added benefits to putting some oysters on your plate.

Some may consider oysters an acquired taste, but from the huge amount of health benefits listed above this may well be a taste worth acquiring. Giving them a try could not only give you the health kick you’re looking for but also a new tasty treat to enjoy and a variety of recipes to try out.